Consequences Matter

Knox County administrators have decided that the 8 Austin East High School football players - accused of shoplifting - will not be allowed to play Friday night?

I think it's the right decision.

I've heard a number of arguments both ways. On our website, we asked the question and got an overwhelming no response. We also received a bunch of comments.

The courts will sort out the legal aspects of the case against the 8, but it appears these young men put themselves in a situation they should have avoided.

If they had been allowed to play Friday night, it would've been the worse kind of signal to the other players. It's not just about what players do on the field. What they do off the field is important too.

Living with the consequences of our actions is an important message for young people.

Everyone makes mistakes. But we all have to live with the consequences of those mistakes, even if it means not playing a high school football game.